Through the Windows of Paris: Fifty Unique Shops [Paperback]

Michael Webb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1999

Shop windows and interiors are among the glories of Paris-as enticing as its museums and grand vistas but far less tiring to explore. They distill the qualities we most admire in the City of Light: a love of fantasy and tradition of craft and style, and the art of doing simple things well. The richly illustrated text of Through the Windows of Paris sketches the history of shopping in Paris and evokes the special character of the city. There is no better place to find it than in the boutiques selling crusty bread and creamy cheese, witty hats and luxurious lingerie. Michael Webb has chosen fifty of the most intriguing shops in Paris for their individuality and the beauty of their displays. New or old, tiny or expansive, they engage all the senses and reveal the true character of the capital. This book comprises 160 color images of fifty unique shops and a comprehensive list of addresses, telephone numbers, and metro stops. Whether you make the trip from your armchair or hop on the next plane, this book will guide you, in words and pictures, through the windows of Paris.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In Through the Windows of Paris, the reader is spirited away, like Alice through the looking glass, to a Paris where old-world skill and personal service are still the rule. Each of the 50 listings--every one the sort of establishment you'd love to seek out on your next trip--is treated with a rich spread of color photographs and an evocative depiction:

[Le Pont Traversee] One of the grandest boucheries in Paris, with the patterned marble façade and carved wood frames, has become a wonderfully ramshackle bookshop that specializes in literature of every kind. Established in 1974 by the poet Marcel Béalu, it is now run by his widow, Josée. Ceiling hooks recall the sides of beef and lamb that must once have occupied the space; now the challenge is to step lightly around tottering piles and climb the ladder past laden shelves, hoping they won't come crashing down in your search for an elusive volume of Baudelaire's poetry.

Step through doors decrepit or grand, deco or nouveau, and discover a wealth of unique, handmade treasures that would put Cartier to shame. The wine merchants, chocolatiers, toy makers, milliners, antiques shops, and lingerie makers celebrated in this charming little book define craftsmanship and good taste, and provide a sumptuous alternative to a day in line at the Louvre. --Jhana Bach

Review

An intimate tour of fifty Paris' exquisite boutiques selling fine handmade goods. Complete with address, store hours and Metro stops. -- LA Architect

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press; 1 edition (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890449024
• ISBN-13: 978-1890449025
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,157,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Webb is the author of 26 books on modern architecture and design. He was born in 1937 and grew up in London, where he worked at The Times and Country Life magazine, before moving to the U.S. in 1969 to become Programming Director of the American Film Institute. He resumed his writing career in 1981 and now lives in Los Angeles when he is not traveling the world to gather material for books and articles.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book - great addresses!, June 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Through the Windows of Paris: Fifty Unique Shops (Paperback)

As a part-time resident of Paris, I thought I knew all of the "bons addresses", those hard-to-find shops where you can find that perfect, unique gift for yourself or someone at home. I was wrong! On my next trip to Paris, I'll be looking into a number of the lovely boutiques mentioned in this book. Not only are the addresses provided, complete with compelling descriptions, but there are gorgeous photos that make your mouth water in anticipation of actually visiting these havens of shopping pleasure, if only to browse and take in the beauty of their wares. Bravo to the authors and photographer!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars the character of paris, October 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Through the Windows of Paris: Fifty Unique Shops (Paperback)

a wonderful book, showing the real character of paris to whet your appetite. as someone who is soon to go to Paris for the first time, i loved this book for doing the legwork for me in finding those little boutiques that add character to your holiday , that i probably would have missed. i'm sure they will lead me to other great little shops and experiences.